Depression, Weight Gain, and Health Complications

People with narcolepsy may have a tendency towards being overweight. This is not completely understood, but it could be due to lower activity levels, diet, metabolism, medications, or a combination of these factors.

Narcolepsy is also linked to an increased risk of developing depression. This could be because narcolepsy symptoms can be stressful and isolating, especially without proper treatment. It is also possible that the brain chemistry involved in narcolepsy is linked to changes in a person’s mood and overall mental health.

Other sleep disorders can accompany narcolepsy, such as REM sleep behavior disorder,sleepwalking, and sleep apnea. These disorders should be evaluated if symptoms are present and may require different, additional treatment.